Why Should You Eat Goldenberries?

What Are Goldenberries?

Goldenberries are a part of traditional medicine and were cultivated as early as 4000 years ago. They belong to the nightshade family and have a tart, tangy taste. Goldenberries are also known as poha berry, Inca berry, Peruvian groundcherry, cape gooseberry, and husk berry. These fruits are often consumed raw (in salads) and as jams, jellies, pies, and fruit-based sauces.
Goldenberries have a rich nutrient profile. The next section gives an insight into the nutritional breakdown.

Goldenberries Nutrition Facts

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one cup (140 g) of goldenberries contains (1):

• Calories: 74.2 kcal
• Protein: 2.66 g
• Fat: 0.98 g
• Carbohydrates: 15.7 g
• Calcium: 12.6 mg
• Iron: 1.4 g
• Phosphorous: 56 mg
• Vitamin C: 15.4 mg
• Thiamin: 0.154 mg
• Riboflavin: 0.056 mg
• Niacin: 3.92 mg
• Vitamin A: 50.4 µg

This rich nutrient profile of goldenberries makes them a superfood with multiple health benefits.

Health Benefits Of Goldenberries

1. Reduce Inflammation

Goldenberries are used as a traditional herbal remedy for their anti-inflammatory properties. A study conducted by the University of Cartagena (Colombia) found that the anti-inflammatory effects of goldenberries prevented colitis (an inflammatory reaction in the colon) in rats (2).

In addition, the ethanol extracts of goldenberries have immunomodulatory effects, meaning, they can prevent the immune system from releasing pro-inflammatory mediators (chemicals that promote inflammation) in the body (3). Also, goldenberries contain compounds like withanolide, which may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly colon and breast cancer cells (4).

Goldenberries reduce the risk of pulmonary inflammatory diseases caused by smoking (5). Another study conducted by the Chi-Mei Medical Center, Taiwan, found that 4beta-Hydroxywithanolide in goldenberries may prevent the proliferation of lung cancer cells (6). However, more human studies are needed to understand the anti-cancer benefit of goldenberries.

2. Have Antioxidant Properties

Goldenberries are rich in antioxidants and can neutralize harmful free radicals (or reactive oxygen species), which are one of the main reasons behind many health ailments, including cardiovascular diseases (7), (8), (9).

The ethanol and acetone extracts of goldenberries have the highest antioxidant properties and can prevent oxidative damage in neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases) (10), (11). However, more studies are required to understand the neuroprotective effects of goldenberries in humans.

Goldenberries also contain phytosterols, which are good for lowering LDL cholesterol.

3. May Boost Immune Health

Goldenberries have immunomodulatory effects. They are rich in polyphenols that can block the release of certain inflammatory immune markers, which cause inflammation in the body (12). The vitamin C in goldenberries promotes collagen production and cell repair and plays a key role in boosting immunity. However, more human studies are needed to prove this claim.

4. Improve Eye Health

Goldenberries contain carotenoids that help improve vision and reduce oxidative stress on the ocular (visual) system and prevent vision-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataract (13),(14), (15). They also contain lutein that prevents age-related macular degeneration (16), (17).

5. May Improve Bone Health

Goldenberries contain vitamin K, a fat-soluble nutrient that helps maintain bone health. A study conducted by the Technical University of Berlin (Germany) found that vitamin K in goldenberry oil promotes bone metabolism (bone growth, tissue formation, and maintenance) (18), (19). However, more studies are needed to understand the bone-related benefits of goldenberries in humans.

6. May Help Manage Diabetes

Goldenberries may help manage type 2 diabetes. This is because they are low in calories and have a low glycemic load. They are good for diabetes as well as weight management. Plants like goldenberries are widely used as phytomedicines by the indigenous tribes in Kenya to manage diabetes (20). However, studies are limited to prove the anti-diabetic properties of goldenberries.

Animal studies show that the bioactive compounds like phytochemicals in goldenberries can prevent oxidative damage and liver injury (21). The phenolic compounds and vitamin C in goldenberries can help reduce cancer risk (22). Also, goldenberries contain linoleic and oleic acids, which reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases (CVD) (18), (23).

If you are wondering how to eat goldenberries, keep scrolling to check out recipes.

How To Eat Goldenberries: Recipes You May Try

You can eat these fruits fresh or dried. They add a unique flavor to your dishes. Here are some easy-to-prepare goldenberry recipes you may try:

1. Goldenberry Fruit Smoothie

What You Need

• 10-15 goldenberries
• 1 cup of frozen pineapple (cubed)
• 1 ripe banana (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 peach (sliced or cubed)
• ¾ cup of ice
• 1/3 cup of almond milk

Process

1. Put all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend on high for a minute or until smooth.
3. Pour into a serving glass, garnish with nutmeg, and enjoy!

2. Goldenberry Salad

What You Need

For The Salad

• 1 cauliflower (grated)
• 2 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 hothouse cucumber (cubed or sliced)
• 1-2 tomatoes (deseeded and cubed)
• 15-20 goldenberries

For The Dressing

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of basil (finely chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of chives (minced)

Process

1. Add the dressing ingredients to a large bowl and mix.
2. Add the salad ingredients to the bowl and toss.
3. Garnish with extra goldenberries and chives.

3. Goldenberry Ice Cream

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon of dried goldenberries
• 1½ tablespoons of avocado
• 1 tablespoon of protein powder (soy, pea, or whey proteins)
• ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks
• ½ cup of frozen orange
• 1 ripe banana (frozen)
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon of stevia
• ½ teaspoon of maple syrup or honey

Process

1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream mold and freeze for 1-2 hours.

You may use fresh or dried goldenberries for the recipes. Fresh fruits need to be stored properly for long-term use. Here are some tips.

How To Store Goldenberries

If you store goldenberries along with husks, they can last up to 35-40 days at room temperature. Goldenberries without husks can last for about two weeks if you store them in the refrigerator. Frozen berries have a long shelf life and can be stored for two years.
Consuming fresh and ripe goldenberries is safe. However, unripe goldenberries may cause some side effects.

Potential Side Effects Of Goldenberries

Unripe goldenberries contain solanine, a fatal toxic compound that may affect the nervous system and cause gastrointestinal issues. Consuming unripe goldenberries may upset the stomach, cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, and jaundice, and lead to paralysis and death (24), (25). However, limited studies are available on the side effects of goldenberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook golden berries?

Yes, you can cook goldenberries.

Are golden berries good for the kidneys?

Yes, golden berries are good for the kidneys. Golden berry juice can act against kidney damage (26).

Can you eat the skin of a golden berry?

Yes. The skin of golden berries contains three times more antioxidants than the pulp.

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Bulelani MakapelaRD

 

Bulelani Makapela is a registered dietitian based in East London, South Africa. She has an interest in clinical and community nutrition and food service management. She is passionate about nutrition education as she believes it is one of the fundamental parts in the treatment of individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.   Bulelani completed her studies at...more

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more